In partnership with A. M. Qattan Foundation, internationally acclaimed curator Jonathan Watkins, inaugurated on Friday, November 18, the contemporary arts exhibition “We Are Moving” in Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center in Ramallah.
“We are Moving” is the denouement of a five-day series of workshops and lectures led by Watkins, which brought together 13 Palestinian artists with the aim of moving young potential to the forefront of the art scene.
Watkins, who is the Director of the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, UK, said that working with young contemporary artists and art amateurs was extremely important to him. “This week was a good chance to acquaint myself with different ideas put forward by young people from various disciplines and to form solid bonds upon which we can build together in the future.”
Yazid Anani, Director of AMQF’s Public Programme, explained that this workshop week with Watkins was the first of a series of projects and initiatives the Public Programme plans to implement in the near future. “These initiatives aim to develop the capacities of young artists and art amateurs.”
Obour Hashash, one of the participating artists, said that her artwork, which represented the idea of a wall, aimed to engage the public in knocking down all forms of obstacles between artists, artwork and people.
Artist Suleiman Mansour, who visited the exhibition, expressed his admiration for the audacity of the participants’ art and their deep understanding of what contemporary art really is. “I know many of the students involved in this exhibition,” he added. “I could see huge progress in the work they carried out within these short five days.”
Also commenting on the exhibition, actor and artist Adeeb Al-Safadi noted, “There is something strange about this exhibition that draws you in. The ideas presented here are beyond what we have become accustomed to in art galleries”. He further praised the underlying concept in a number of displayed items, which sought to engage and interact with people.
“We Are Moving” will remain on display in the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center until Thursday, December 8, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.